Motorcycle Camping Tips And Equipment

Motorcycle riders know how exciting it is to explore the country. Having the right equipment for those long rides can make all the difference. A motorcycle camping trip allows you to spend the night outdoors enjoying nature. Camping is growing in popularity and using a motorcycle to get there is also increasing.

Before heading out on a motorcycle camping trip, you will need to research the activity you are about to undertake. Where will I go and what will I need to make this trip a successful one is at the heart of any motorcycle camping trip. Deciding where to camp is fairly easy, search the internet for campgrounds, state parks or ask fellow riders for recommendations. Choosing your camping gear is a little harder, but with a few simple tips, it will become second nature.

Ensuring you have the right gear, what you need:

Small lightweight camping tent:
Several manufactures offer tents especially designed for motorcycles. These tents are easy to setup, fit neatly on your bike and offer all the normal protection of a family camping tent.

Sleeping Bag:
A compact sleeping bag that offers the temperature rating necessary to keep you comfortable is all you need. A goose down bag is preferable for colder climates and roll up very compactly for transport. Hammocks can also come in handy as they take up very little room and can be setup almost anywhere you have trees.

Eating / Cooking:
For extended stays, a small camp stove, similar to the ones used for backpacking will work perfectly. A lightweight aluminum cook-set and utensils will be plenty for cooking meals.

Storage Bags / Saddle Bags:
No mater how you store or pack your gear, you will need some sort of heavy duty waterproof storage bags. Adding saddle bags to your bike is a great way to stow gear. A travel or duffel bag makes a perfect addition for storing your tent and sleeping gear and can easily be strapped to the rear of the bike.

Other Gear:
A few other considerations for gear include; a tarp for shade or to use as a floor protector for your tent. Change of clothes, motorcycle tool kit with multi-tool, tire plug kit and pump. Make yourself a three column check list, one for gear, one for short trips and one for long trips. This will help gather the correct gear to match the trip.

Ensure you have the right gear and no unwanted stuff you do not actually need for the trip. Choose the items wisely and buy only the ones that will fit comfortably on your motorcycle. Once you have put your motorcycle camping kit together, you can assure yourself many enjoyable camping trips on the open road.